In brief: Xi to visit Obama in U.S. in September
Beijing – China’s leader Xi Jinping will make his first state visit as president to the United States in September, Chinese official media reported today, underlining positive momentum in the often-troubled relationship between the world’s largest economies.
Obama visited China in November to attend the annual summit of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation forum during which he held a separate day of meetings with Xi. Obama and Xi also met in the U.S. in June 2013 for an informal summit at the Sunnylands estate in Rancho Mirage, California.
The U.S. and China have been working together on a range of high-profile issues, including pledging to cut back on their emissions of greenhouse gases.
Governor rescinds discrimination ban
Topeka, Kan. – Kansas will no longer specifically ban discrimination against gays, lesbians, bisexuals and the transgendered in hiring and employment in much of state government because of an action announced Tuesday by Republican Gov. Sam Brownback.
Brownback rescinded an executive order issued in August 2007 by then-Gov. Kathleen Sebelius barring discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity. The order applied to hiring and employment decisions by agencies under the governor’s direct control and required them to create anti-harassment policies as well.
Brownback said Sebelius acted “unilaterally” with her order and that any such changes should be made by the state Legislature.
Policeman indicted in accidental shooting
New York – A rookie police officer who fired into a darkened stairwell at a Brooklyn public housing complex, accidentally killing a man who had been waiting for an elevator, has been indicted in his death, a lawyer said Tuesday.
Officer Peter Liang will appear in court today in the November shooting death of 28-year-old Akai Gurley, according to Scott Rynecki, an attorney representing Gurley’s family. Grand jury proceedings are secret.
It wasn’t clear what charges were considered; they could range from misdemeanor official misconduct to manslaughter, a felony.